nickel allergy

Posted by joa21 @joa21, Oct 11, 2021

Husband needs a valve replacement, but is allergic to nickel. Fears that the cladding over the nickel could wear off and expose him to future problems. Are there any alternative valve replacements available that do not use nickel?

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Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Oct 11, 2021

Hi @joa21 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I would be concerned about future complications as well if my husband had a severe allergy.
I do know the NIH published an article that I placed below about doing a nickel free surgery on a patient.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21929741/
Nickel allergy can raise clinical problems in patients undergoing cardiac surgery who require sternal closure with stainless steel wire. We describe the case of a 51-year-old woman with severe nickel allergy who underwent aortic valve replacement with a nickel-free ON-X prosthesis and sternal closure by Fiberwire # 2 suture without complications. Considering its biocompatibility and its mechanical characteristics including optimal strength and knot resistance, this suture might be a viable alternative in patients in which the use of stainless steel wire is contraindicated.

Did his surgeon say there was not an alternative? Are you seeking a second opinion for him?

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